Steven Geer, the bartender who made Barbara’s Pavilion his living room starting in the early 2000s, has died at age 49.
A talented singer, he was a karaoke king and a friend to Barbara’s regulars. The longstanding Oak Cliff dive bar is where he put up Halloween decorations and trimmed his Christmas tree every year.
“This is a huge part of my life,” he said of Barbara’s in 2016.
Geer worked at Barbara’s twice. Previous owners fired him in 2005 after he walked out. But Dan Friessen hired him back in 2008, and he worked there until the State of Texas shut down bars.
Originally from Warren, Pennsylvania, Geer was his mother’s only son, and she died of cancer in 2015.
His close friend, karaoke host Dee Dee Williams, says friends are working on a memorial.
FYI. Some friends and I are working on a uplifting life tribute for Steven Geer. It's in process. We are working on...
Posted by Dee Dee Williams on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Posted by Dee Dee Williams on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
To Steven's family back east, please know you are all in my prayers. Steven was a special part of my life. We instantly...
Posted by Dee Dee Williams on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
I have known Steve since he was just a little kid! He was our neighbor and his Mom and I were such good friends. This is heartbreaking but happy that he will be with her again. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Posted by Pamela Weldon Marshall on Thursday, August 6, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of Steven Geer today. He made Barbara Pavillion what it was - fun, friendly, and fabulous. RIP sweet friend!
Posted by Raven Patrick on Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Sad Day in O.C. From bartending together, singing Frank Sinatra or just having drinks around the neighborhood, you always made people smile. You will be missed brother... #BishopArts
Posted by Matt DeLise on Wednesday, August 5, 2020